The Great Judge of the Empire State

85 years ago, Fiorello La Guardia, New York Mayor, did something no one had done before. Growing up, Jane Bolin witnessed the struggles black people faced. It fuelled her determination to pursue a career in law. Yet when she sought guidance from a career advisor, she received no support due to her race and gender. Even her father tried to dissuade her from pursuing her dream. He feared the prejudice she would face. Despite this, she believed that she could effect change in the black community. And nothing would stand in her way.

Jane’s dedication to advocacy and social justice blossomed from a young age. It fuelled her relentless pursuit of a career in the legal system. Yet her path to the bench was far from smooth.

Jane was born on April 11^th 1908 in the vibrant city of Poughkeepsie, New York. Her parents were Gaius, a respected lawyer, and Matilda, an immigrant from Britain. As she grew up, Jane found herself captivated by her father’s law office. Here, she would often find solace amidst the rows of leather-bound books. Yet she also saw the haunting images of lynchings in the NAACP magazine. They served as a stark reminder of the injustices that plagued society. It left a lasting impression on her.

She was an exceptional student. She completed her high school education in her early teens. And went on to pursue her studies at Wellesley College. Yet Jane faced discouragement when she approached a career advisor at the college. Jane aspired to pursue a career in law.

Opportunities in the legal field were scarce for women, least of all black women.

Even her own father expressed doubts about the idea. Despite his initial hesitation, he later backed his daughter’s decision. And provided both the financial and moral support to help her achieve her dream.

When Jane enrolled at Yale, there were only 22 black female lawyers in the country. She was one of three women in her class and the only black woman. The college didn’t have dorms for women, so Jane stayed elsewhere. She faced discrimination from her peers, with some of them letting doors hit her in the face.

Despite these challenges, Jane persevered. She became the first black woman to graduate from Yale, in 1931. Following this, she apprenticed at her father’s law office. She faced rejection from many local law firms because she was a woman and black. Yet she continued to make waves.

In 1936, she secured a position in the New York City Corporation Counsel’s office. It made her the first black woman to serve in any capacity in the city’s legal department. She also became the first black woman to become a member of the New York City Bar Association. And she later started practising law alongside her first husband, Ralph Mizelle.

Yet everything was about to change.

On July 22^nd 1939, Jane received a surprising summons from Mayor La Guardia. He wanted to meet her at the New York City building at the World’s Fair. Anxious, Jane feared the worst. Yet she had no idea the Mayor was to make her a judge.

But this appointment was far from ordinary. The grand ceremony made news around the world…

The First Judge

Jane became a judge of the Domestic Relations Court, now known as Family Court. It made her America’s first black female judge. But that wasn’t why Mayor Guardia chose her.

She was the ideal choice for Family Court. She was a compassionate and considerate presence in the courtroom. She addressed a variety of family matters with a special focus on the well-being of children. She didn’t wear judicial robes in court. Instead, she opted for more approachable attire to help children feel more comfortable.

She dedicated herself to ensuring fair treatment for everyone. Regardless of their economic status or ethnicity.

She brought about significant changes to the system by overturning segregationist policies. And she also tackled the issue of skin-colour-based assignments for probation officers. She also collaborated with Eleanor Roosevelt to extend support to the Wiltwyck School.

This school implemented a comprehensive and holistic program to eradicate crime among boys. She also campaigned for the end of segregating donated blood and public housing.

Her efforts played a role in Mayor Robert Wagner’s decision to integrate public housing.

Three more mayors reappointed her for three more ten-year terms. But life as a judge was not to last.

The Final Judge

It was only when Jane turned 70 in 1978 that she stepped down from the bench, although she didn’t want to. She had reached the mandatory retirement age. She didn’t hide her disappointment, remarking:

“They’re kicking me out.”

In retirement, Jane was a passionate advocate for children’s rights and education. She donated her time as a tutor at New York City’s public schools for two years after she retired. The prestigious New York State Board of Regents later appointed her. They are responsible for the supervision of all educational activities within the state.

She died in Long Island City, Queens, on January 8^th 2007 at the astonishing age of 98. She once said:

“Everyone else makes a fuss about it, but I didn’t think about it, and I still don’t. I wasn’t concerned about (being) first, second or last. My work was my primary concern.”

The Great Judge of the Empire State

Countless contributions from black women have left an indelible mark on history.

Judge Jane Bolin is a name forever etched in our memories when we discuss remarkable black women. She broke barriers, yes. She was America’s first black female judge, but she didn’t care about firsts.

She dismantled racial barriers and segregation within the system she served. She ensured childcare agencies embraced children of all races and ethnicities. She also ended the practice of assigning probation officers based on race or religion.

Her commitment to justice left a lasting impression on the system she worked within. She inspired women and children, spreading hope and empowerment wherever she went.

Her legacy as a strong advocate lives on, as she paved the way for representation in today’s legal system. She challenged the status quo and exceeded expectations.

She forged her own path while inspiring others to do the same.

“Those gains we have made were never graciously and generously granted. We have had to fight every inch of the way – in the face of sometimes insufferable humiliations.”

– Jane Bolin.

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